Pop culture Q&A

October 23, 2011 at 12:00a.m.

By Rich Heldenfels

Q. I saw a wonderful pianist on “Great Performances” recently. Who is he? He looked like the guy from “House,” but I don’t think it was.

A. In fact, it was. Hugh Laurie of “House” hosted the “Great Performances” presentation “Hugh Laurie: Let Them Talk — A Celebration of New Orleans Blues.” Laurie is a music fan who plays piano and sings; there is a CD companion to the special with Laurie performing with a band and with legends such as Irma Thomas, Tom Jones and Dr. John. You also can see the program online at www.pbs.org.

Q. I would like to know when “Bones” will be back on the air.

A. The mystery series starring Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz will begin its seventh season Nov. 3 on Fox. The sixth season ended with Brennan (Deschanel) telling Booth (Boreanaz) she was pregnant. In the new season, Fox says, “We pick up with the new couple well into Brennan’s pregnancy. Still seeing the world from radically different perspectives, Booth and Brennan grapple with the issues surrounding the upcoming birth of their child — all while continuing to deal with a series of gruesome and baffling crimes.

“And this season brings more than a baby,” the network adds. “Our team will also have to contend with a nefarious tech-savvy foe who uses his unparalleled skills to challenge Booth, Brennan and the squints to solve a string of murders designed to embarrass and humiliate them.”

Q. What is the status of “Men of a Certain Age?” I have enjoyed the program and miss it.

A. TNT decided not to renew the program after two seasons.

Q. I was wondering if you could please tell me what happened to “Expedition Impossible.” It was on ABC on Thursday nights and was awesome. I missed a Thursday because of a birthday dinner and have not seen or heard anything about it since. The show was very interesting, and I would like to know where it went or why it was canceled even before the first season ended.

A. ABC showed all 10 episodes of the show’s season. The final episode, which aired Aug. 25, included four teams: the Fab 3, No Limits, Football Players and Gypsies. The Gypsies won. You can read a synopsis of the conclusion or watch it online at www.abc.com. So far, I have not seen any indication that there will be a second season.

Q. At the beginning of “The Golden Girls,” is Rue McClanahan the singer?

A. No. Cynthia Fee performed the theme, “Thank You for Being a Friend.” Andrew Gold, who died in June, had a top-40 hit with his recording of the song in 1978. The NBC comedy used Fee’s version during its 1985-92 run.

Q. Is Gary Sinise the singer at the beginning of “CSI: NY”? I know he has a band.

A. No again. Though Sinise does perform with the Lt. Dan Band (named after his character in “Forrest Gump”), the “CSI” programs all draw on songs by the Who for themes. “CSI: NY” uses “Baba O’Riley,” “CSI: Miami” uses “Won’t Get Fooled Again” and the original “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” has “Who Are You.”

2011 the Akron Beacon Journal

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